Greetings Kim! For what purpose are you degumming the cocoons: to spin directly off the cocoon, to unreel the cocoons, or to make mawata's? In workshops here at the studio, In order to reel the cocoons, I simmer the cocoons for about 20 - 30 minutes (without adding anything, other than perhaps some synthropol to help them get thoroughly *wet* faster) until they start looking translucent. In order to spread out the cocoons to make mawatas we add about a tablespoon of soda ash (washing soda) to break down the fibers just enough to allow the cocoons to separate and spread apart. Hope this helps.
Carol Leigh, Hillcreek Fiber Studio, <www.hillcreekfiberstudio.com> In a message dated 6/26/2002 6:52:04 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 15:43:02 -0500 > From: Kimberlee Dills <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Silk cocoons > > Hi fiber fans > I'm told this is the place to go with my questions, so here goes. > I recently acquired some Bombx silk cocoons to "play" with and was wondering > if anyone had any experience on de-gumming. I got a little over 150 cocoons. > Should I just boil them till they fall apart? Do I need to use soap, if so, > what kind? Anything else I need to know? > > Thanks > Kim To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
